2018 LEXUS RC300 steering

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful accelera-
tion. Also, gear shift timing is controlle d to suit sporty driving, making this
mode is suitable for when agile drivin g response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves. When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Provides earlier downshift timing than SPORT S mode in order to maintain
a high engine speed and provides faster gear changes. This mode also
changes the steering feel, suspension control and VDIM control, making it
suitable for powerful sporty driving. When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on. Function Setting
Powertrain Normal
Power
Eco
Chassis Normal
Sport
Air conditioning system Normal
Eco2
3

310 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, pressing the TVD switch
changes the TVD control mode. The current TVD control mode will be
displayed on the meters.
STANDARD mode
This is the default mode and pro-
vides an optimum balance of driving
agility and stability.
SLALOM mode
This mode emphasizes enhanced
steering response.
TRACK mode
This mode emphasizes stability for
high speed sporty driving.
The multi-information display shows the di stribution of driving force between the
right and left rear wheels. (  P. 118)TVD (Torque Vectoring Differential) 
 : If equippedThe TVD system distributes driving force (torque) between the right and left
rear wheels automatically. This syst em contributes to enhanced steering
response while cornering and increased traction when exiting a corner, pro-
viding an agile driving experience.
Changing TVD control modes 1
2
3
TVD control status on the multi-information display

312 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starti ng on an incline
◆ VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
◆ DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristi cs and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement.Driving assist systems To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspen sion System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the dampin g force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the ro ad and driving conditions, this system
combines riding comfort wi th superior vehicle stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture. (  P. 302)
◆ LDH (Lexus Dynamic Hand ling system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to turn-
ing characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling th e steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering wheel operation and vehicle speed.
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equi pped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and if equipped with
VGRS, steering ratio

3154-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
RC F
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release ( ). The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will
come on.
Press ( ) again to turn the
system back on. ■
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems 
RC350
/RC300To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, pr ess and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on an d the “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
* 1
Press again to turn the systems back on. 
RC F
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold ( ) for more than
3 seconds.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator li ght and the VSC OFF indica tor light will come on.
* 2
Press ( ) again to turn the systems back on.
* 1
: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System ), pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision
braking, and steering control (performed through cooperative control of PCS and
LDH) (if equipped) will also be disabled. The pre-collision system warning light will
come on and a message will be displaye d on the multi-information display. (  P. 460)
* 2
: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision Syst em), pre-collision brake assist and pre-
collision braking will also be disabled. The pre-collision system warning light will come
on and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. (  P. 460)

316 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)■
Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is se lected, it is possible to drive in a more sp orty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■
When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information displa y showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350/RC300)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if
( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts. ●
When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled together with VGRS) ●
When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated. ■
When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving.To select expert mode, press
()when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
() or
use the driving mode sele ct switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.

3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist
control and VGRS systems ●
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to
move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these sys-
tems. ●
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard afte r the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.■
EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and then
on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems. ■
Reactivation of the TRAC sy stem linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, wh en both TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, the systems
will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result . Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes. ■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline). ●
The vehicle is stopped. ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed. ●
The parking brake is not engaged. ■
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations: ●
The shift lever is moved to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
Approximately 2 seconds elapse af ter the brake pedal is released.

3234-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)WARNING ■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehi cle control and cause death or serious injury.●
Use tires of the specified size. ●
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h ), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels. ■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be dr iven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the ti re chains being used, or 30
mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking. ●
Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained. ●
Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) system.
NOTICE ■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal an d attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning va lves and transmitters.■
Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valv es and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.